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House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) waded into the race for Democratic National Committee vice chairman Wednesday, signing a letter backing Rep. Mike Honda (Calif.) for the post over another House Democrat. The missive, signed by 18 members of the California Democratic delegation, calls Honda a "shining star" and points out that he is the only Californian in the race and the only "WesternRegional candidate." Honda also received the endorsement of the vast majority of the CongressionalHispanic Caucus on Wednesday with the notable exception of Democratic Caucus Chairman BobMenendez (N.J.), who plans to stay neutral. "We in the CHC are fortunate to have developed a special relationship with Mike, and we are impressed by Mike's own long and special relationship with the Hispanic community," wrote the Members. Honda is not the only Member of Congress in the race; New YorkRep. Greg Meeks is also seeking the slot. Honda, first elected to a San Jose-area open seat in 2000, served as a deputy chairman at the DNCduring the 2004 campaign. In that capacity, Honda said he "put together a model to work with Asian-American communities" that raised more than $5 million for the DNC. The effort was formally known as the Asian Pacific Islander American outreach program. Honda, a Japanese American, said his interest in serving as vice chairman is based on the work he began in the previous cycle.[more]